United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has released rare footage showing a Su-57 fighter with its forward internal weapons bay open, confirming that Russia’s stealth jet can carry two Kh-58UShK anti-radiation missiles internally. The video, published just before the Dubai Airshow 2025, highlights the aircraft’s growing role in suppression-of-enemy-air-defense (SEAD) missions while maintaining stealth characteristics. The test aircraft, labeled T-50-9 “509,” was filmed performing low passes with its main bay doors open, exposing two long-range Kh-58 missiles designed to destroy radar emitters. Their placement inside the Su-57’s forward bay demonstrates that Russia’s stealth design can house large precision weapons internally—a key capability for remaining undetected during SEAD operations. Technical analysts note that the missiles are mounted on Vympel UVKU-50 ejector racks, engineered to deploy heavy munitions from deep, enclosed bays without aerodynamic interference. Until now, only the smaller side bays were confirmed to carry short-range air-to-air weapons. The new imagery provides the first clear verification of the jet’s main-bay architecture functioning with full-sized ordnance. The release doubles as a marketing move and an operational signal. It coincides with heightened promotion of the Su-57 ahead of Dubai 2025 and ongoing claims by Rostec that serial deliveries and upgrades are advancing. The display reinforces Russia’s narrative of having a mature fifth-generation platform despite production challenges and sanctions. By integrating the Kh-58 internally, the Su-57 gains a credible stealth strike option against sophisticated radar networks, giving Russia’s air force and export customers a clearer view of its expanding combat envelope.
